Eyes on the Road: Why So Many Pedestrians End up in ER

It happens all too often — crossing the street with your music on, cell phone in hand as you send lengthy text messages to your friend or colleague without looking up.

The pedestrian signal is green; an obvious indication of your right to walk, while a variety of cars stand align, adhering to the command of the red light.

Technological advancement has certainly made our lives easier. In our attempt to keep up with the fast rhythm of city life, however, we tend to dismiss the margin of mirror that exists — even with hi-tech solutions to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

With an efficient system of traffic control, it’s easy to forget that crossing the road always requires awareness and an alert mind. Much like driving a car, it demands a sense of direction and confidence: two things that are almost entirely absent if you’re multi-tasking as a pedestrian crossing the road.

Staying Vigilant

Some states, such as Utah, are paying heed to the dangers of jaywalking, imposing a $50 fine for distracted walking near the commuter rail. Others, such as the states of North and South Carolina and Washington are emulating the pedestrian safety program of New York City.

It’s also worth considering the number of unreported cases of pedestrian accidents, which makes the situation and statistics all the more alarming. These changes are a product of new technological changes and trends in the shape of advanced messaging options and giving birth to conditions like texting addiction.

Tending to an Emergency

The fact of the matter is that pedestrian walking has been made enormously simple with new laws and safety programs. Despite several attempts to prevent danger, however, scores of people remain stubborn in their ways and dismiss the repercussions of accidental jaywalking.

If you or someone you know undergoes an accident, casually crossing the street — think fast and call for help.

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